Debris collection systems and methods

ABSTRACT

According to the invention, a system for collecting debris is disclosed. The system may include a flexible sheet, two lengthwise members, a handle, and two hooks. The flexible sheet may have a trapezoidal shape having a short edge, a long edge, and side edges. The flexible sheet may also have apertures substantially near the middle of each side edge. Each aperture may be sized to permit the insertion of a hand. The lengthwise members may be encased by the flexible sheet between the apertures and the side edges. The handle may be coupled with one side of the flexible sheet and located between the long edge and a point substantially centered between the two apertures. The first hook may be coupled between the handle and the short edge on that same side. The second hook may be between the first aperture and the short edge on that same side.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to debris collection. More specifically the invention relates to landscaping refuse collection methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a system for collecting debris is provided. The system may include a flexible sheet, a first lengthwise member, a second lengthwise member, a handle, a first hook, and a second hook. The flexible sheet may have a first side and a second side. The flexible sheet may have a trapezoidal shape having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. The first edge may be opposite, and substantially parallel, to the second edge. The first edge may be shorter than the second edge. The third edge and the fourth edge each may connect the first edge with the second edge. The flexible sheet may have a first aperture substantially near the middle of the third edge, where the first aperture may be sized to permit the insertion of a human hand. The flexible sheet may have a second aperture substantially near the middle of the fourth edge, where the second aperture may be sized to permit the insertion of a human hand. The first lengthwise member may be substantially encased by the flexible sheet between the first aperture and the third edge. The second lengthwise member may be substantially encased by the flexible sheet between the second aperture and the fourth edge. The handle may be coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet, where the handle may be located between the second edge and a point substantially centered between the first aperture and the second aperture. The first hook may be coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet and located substantially between the handle and the first edge. The second hook may be coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet and located substantially between the first aperture and the first edge.

In another embodiment, a method for collecting debris is provided. The method may include placing a flexible sheet on a surface, where the flexible sheet may have a trapezoidal shape having a bottom edge, a top edge, and two side edges. The method may also include placing debris onto an exposed side of the flexible sheet. The method may further include folding the flexible sheet over the debris such that a first side edge may be proximate to a second side edge. The method may additionally include coupling a container at the bottom edge of the flexible sheet. The method may moreover include raising the flexible sheet with at least one handle, such that the debris moves into the container at least partially due to gravity, and where the at least one handle comprises a handle coupled with an underside of the flexible sheet and closer to the top edge than the bottom edge.

In another embodiment, a system for collecting debris is provided. The system may include a flexible sheet, a handle, a first coupling mechanism, and a second coupling mechanism. The flexible sheet may have a first side and a second side. The flexible sheet may have a trapezoidal shape having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. The first edge may be opposite, and substantially parallel, to the second edge. The first edge may be shorter than the second edge. The third edge and the fourth edge may each connect the first edge with the second edge. The handle may be coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet, where the handle may be located between the second edge and a point substantially centered between the first aperture and the second aperture. The first coupling mechanism may be coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet and located substantially between the handle and the first edge. The second coupling mechanism may be coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet and located substantially between the first aperture and the first edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in conjunction with the appended figures:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first side of a system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second side of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 after accumulation of debris;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the system in FIG. 3 with a container coupled to the system;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 4 after the system has been lifted and the debris has fallen into the container;

FIG. 6 is a side view of one of the fishhook shaped hooks of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of one of the widened spiral shaped hooks of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of one of the springed hooks of the invention.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same numerical reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first numerical reference label irrespective of the letter suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other elements in the invention may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process may be terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not discussed or included in a figure. Furthermore, not all operations in any particularly described process may occur in all embodiments. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, etc.

In one embodiment of the invention, a system for collecting debris is provided. The system may include a flexible sheet, a first lengthwise member, a second lengthwise member, a handle, a first hook, and a second hook.

The flexible sheet may have a first side and a second side. The flexible sheet may have a trapezoidal shape having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. The first edge may be opposite, and substantially parallel, to the second edge. The first edge may be shorter than the second edge. The third edge and the fourth edge each may connect the first edge with the second edge.

The flexible sheet may have a first aperture substantially near the middle of the third edge, where the first aperture may be sized to permit the insertion of a human hand. The flexible sheet may have a second aperture substantially near the middle of the fourth edge, where the second aperture may be sized to permit the insertion of a human hand.

The first lengthwise member may be substantially encased by the flexible sheet between the first aperture and the third edge. The second lengthwise member may be substantially encased by the flexible sheet between the second aperture and the fourth edge. Each of the lengthwise members may be singular continuous members substantially an entire length of the third or fourth edge, respectively.

The handle may be coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet, where the handle may be located between the second edge and a point substantially centered between the first aperture and the second aperture. In some embodiments, the handle may include a flexible length of material, possible the same or different material from which the flexible sheet is made.

The handle being coupled with the first side of the sheet may include the flexible length of material coupled at each end with the flexible sheet. In some embodiments, the handle may be coupled with the flexible sheet about one third of the distance from the point substantially centered between the first aperture and the second aperture and the second edge.

In some embodiments the handle may be a made from a material having a different color than the flexible sheet. For example, the handle may be yellow, and the flexible sheet may be green. This may assist a user in quickly locating the handle.

The first hook may be coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet and located substantially between the handle and the first edge. The second hook may be coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet and located substantially between the first aperture and the first edge.

The first hook located substantially between the handle and the first edge may include the first hook being located substantially halfway between the handle and the first edge. The second hook located substantially between the first aperture and the first edge may include the second hook being located substantially halfway between the first aperture and the first edge.

Different hooks may be used in different embodiments. In some embodiments the first or second hook may include a widened fishhook shaped hook. In these or other embodiments the first or second hook may include a widened spiraled shaped hook. A widened spiraled shaped hook may prevent a bag/container, coupled with a hook, from disengaging from the hook when the apparatus is lifted to shift debris into the bag/container.

In some embodiments, any and/or all exposed seams of the flexible sheet, except possibly at the first aperture and second aperture, may be located on the first side. In this manner, debris collection at exposed seams may be minimized. In these or other embodiments, aperture guards may be coupled with the perimeters of the apertures in order to strengthen the apertures during use, and/or provide a comfortable gripping edge.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method for collecting debris is provided. The method may include placing a flexible sheet on a surface, where the flexible sheet may have a trapezoidal shape having a bottom edge, a top edge, and two side edges. The method may also include placing debris onto an exposed side of the flexible sheet. The method may further include folding the flexible sheet over the debris such that a first side edge may be proximate to a second side edge.

The method may additionally include coupling a container at the bottom edge of the flexible sheet. Coupling a container at the bottom edge of the flexible sheet may include coupling a trash bag with a plurality of hooks, wherein the hooks are located proximate to the bottom edge. In some embodiments, each of a plurality of hooks may be coupled with a different handle of the trash bag. When the flexible sheet is raised, each handle of the trash bag may be supported by a hook.

The method may moreover include raising the flexible sheet with at least one handle, such that the debris moves into the container at least partially due to gravity, and where the at least one handle may include a handle coupled with an underside of the flexible sheet and closer to the top edge than the bottom edge.

In another embodiment of the invention, a system for collecting debris is provided. The system may include a flexible sheet, a handle, a first coupling mechanism, and a second coupling mechanism.

The flexible sheet may have a first side and a second side. The flexible sheet may have a trapezoidal shape having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. The first edge may be opposite, and substantially parallel, to the second edge. The first edge may be shorter than the second edge. The third edge and the fourth edge may each connect the first edge with the second edge.

In some embodiments, the third edge and/or the fourth edge of the flexible sheet may be stiffer than the first edge and the second edge. Possibly because a lengthwise member may be embedded at those edges.

The handle may be coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet, where the handle may be located between the second edge and a point substantially centered between a center of the third edge (possibly the location of a first aperture/handle) and a center of the fourth edge (possibly the location of a second aperture/handle).

The first coupling mechanism may be coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet and located substantially between the handle and the first edge. The second coupling mechanism may be coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet and located substantially between the first aperture and the first edge. Each of the first and second coupling mechanisms may include a hook.

In some embodiments, the system may also include a first handle located proximate to the third edge, and a second handle proximate to the fourth edge.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a plan view of a first side of a system 100 of the invention is shown. FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a second side of the system 100 of FIG. 1. Bottom edge (first edge) 105 may be opposite top edge (second edge) 110. Side edge (third edge) 115 and side edge (fourth edge) 120 couple top edge 110 with bottom edge 105.

A first aperture (or handle) 125 may be located at substantially along the center of third edge 115. First aperture 125 may include an aperture guard 130, which may possibly be an additional piece of material sewn, or otherwise coupled with, first aperture 125.

A second aperture (or handle) 135 may be located at substantially along the center of fourth edge 120. Second aperture 135 may include an aperture guard 140, which may possibly be an additional piece of material sewn, or otherwise coupled with, second aperture 135.

A lengthwise member may be coupled with, or embedded in, each of third edge 115 and fourth edge 120. The lengthwise members, or other stiffening mechanism, may be located between apertures 125, 135 and edges 115, 120.

Coupling mechanisms 145, 150 may also be coupled with first side of system 100. First coupling mechanism 145, possibly a hook of some type, may be coupled with system 100 at a point substantially centered between the center of system 100 (or the center between apertures 125, 135) and the center of bottom edge 105. Second coupling mechanism 150, possibly a hook of some type, may be coupled with system 100 at a point substantially centered between first aperture 125 and bottom edge 105. Coupling mechanisms 145, 150 may be any mechanism convenient for coupling a container with system 100, and two possible embodiments will be discussed below in regards to FIGS. 6 and 7.

System 100 may also include a handle 155 coupled with the front side of system 100. In some embodiments, handle 155 may be coupled with system 100 at a point one third of the way from the center of system 100 (or the center between apertures 125, 135), and top edge 110.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the system 100 of FIG. 1 after accumulation of debris 310. System 100 has been folded over debris 310 after debris 310 has been pushed (possibly raked) onto system 100.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the system 100 in FIG. 3 with a container 410, shown here as a trash bag, coupled to the system 100. In this embodiment, container 410 includes handles 420, 430. Handle 420 is temporarily coupled with second coupling mechanism 150, while handle 430 is temporarily coupled with first coupling mechanism 145.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the system 100 of FIG. 4 after the system 100 has been lifted and the debris has fallen into the container. System 100 is lifted via apertures 125, 135 and handle 155, so that debris in system 100 falls, via force of gravity, into container 410.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of one of the fishhook shaped hooks 600 of the invention. Hook 600 may be used as a coupling mechanism discussed above. Hook 600 may have a barbed tip 610 to assist in keeping a container coupled with system 100. Hook 600 may also include a hole 620 through which a rivet or other fastening mechanism may be used to couple hook 600 with system 100.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of one of the widened spiral shaped hooks 700 of the invention. Hook 700 may be used as a coupling mechanism discussed above. Hook 700 may have a spiral shaped end 710 to assist in keeping a container coupled with system 100. In this manned, while a container handle may be easily coupled with hook 700 via passage through the spiral shaped end 710, a more affirmative action must be taken to remove a container handle from hook 700 (passage of the handle out of the spiral shaped end 710). Hook 700 may also include a hole 720 through which a rivet or other fastening mechanism may be used to couple hook 700 with system 100.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a springed hook 800 which may be used in some embodiments of the invention. Hook 800 may be used as a coupling mechanism discussed above. Hook 800 may have a springed end 810 which presses against bulb 820. A container handle may be inserted between springed end 810 and bulb 820 to lie in recess 830. Springed end 810 may be pulled away from bulb 820 to ease removal of a container handle from hook 800. In some embodiments, the mere force of pulling the handle upward out of recess 830 is enough to push springed end 810 away from bulb 820 to allow passage of the handle. Hook 800 may also include a hole 840 through which a rivet or other fastening mechanism may be used to couple hook 800 with system 100.

The invention has now been described in detail for the purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A system for collecting debris, wherein the system comprises: a flexible sheet, wherein: the flexible sheet has a first side and a second side, the flexible sheet has a trapezoidal shape having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge; the first edge is opposite, and substantially parallel, to the second edge; the first edge is shorter than the second edge; the third edge and the fourth edge each connect the first edge with the second edge; the flexible sheet has a first aperture substantially near the middle of the third edge, wherein the first aperture is sized to permit the insertion of a human hand; and the flexible sheet has a second aperture substantially near the middle of the fourth edge, wherein the second aperture is sized to permit the insertion of a human hand; a first lengthwise member substantially encased by the flexible sheet between the first aperture and the third edge; a second lengthwise member substantially encased by the flexible sheet between the second aperture and the fourth edge; a handle coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet, wherein the handle is located between the second edge and a point substantially centered between the first aperture and the second aperture; a first hook coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet and be located substantially between the handle and the first edge; and a second hook coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet and be located substantially between the first aperture and the first edge.
 2. The system for collecting debris of claim 1, wherein the first lengthwise member comprises a singular continuous member substantially an entire length of the third edge.
 3. The system for collecting debris of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a flexible length of material, and the handle being coupled with the first side of the sheet comprises the flexible length of material coupled at each end with the flexible sheet.
 4. The system for collecting debris of claim 1, wherein the handle being coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet comprises the handle coupled with the flexible sheet about one third of the distance from the point substantially centered between the first aperture and the second aperture and the second edge.
 5. The system for collecting debris of claim 1, wherein the first hook located substantially between the handle and the first edge comprises the first hook being located substantially halfway between the handle and the first edge.
 6. The system for collecting debris of claim 1, wherein the second hook located substantially between the first aperture and the first edge comprises the second hook being located substantially halfway between the first aperture and the first edge.
 7. The system for collecting debris of claim 1, wherein the first hook comprises a widened fishhook shaped hook.
 8. The system for collecting debris of claim 1, wherein the first hook comprises a widened spiraled shaped hook.
 9. The system for collecting debris of claim 1, wherein all exposed seams of the flexible sheet, except at the first aperture and second aperture, are located on the first side.
 10. The system for collecting debris of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an aperture guard coupled with an entire perimeter of the first aperture.
 11. A method for collecting debris, wherein the method comprises: placing a flexible sheet on a surface, wherein the flexible sheet has a trapezoidal shape having a bottom edge, a top edge, and two side edges; placing debris onto an exposed side of the flexible sheet; folding the flexible sheet over the debris such that a first side edge is proximate to a second side edge; coupling a container at the bottom edge of the flexible sheet; and raising the flexible sheet with at least one handle, such that the debris moves into the container at least partially due to gravity, and wherein the at least one handle comprises a handle coupled with an underside of the flexible sheet and closer to the top edge than the bottom edge.
 12. The method for collecting debris of claim 11, wherein coupling a container at the bottom edge of the flexible sheet comprises coupling a trash bag with a plurality of hooks, wherein the hooks are located proximate to the bottom edge.
 13. The method for collecting debris of claim 12, wherein coupling the trash bag with the plurality of hooks comprises coupling each hook with a different handle of the trash bag.
 14. The method for collecting debris of claim 13, wherein coupling each hook with a different handle of the trash bag comprises placing a handle at each hook so the handle is supported by the hook when the flexible sheet is raised with the at least one handle.
 15. A system for collecting debris, wherein the system comprises: a flexible sheet, wherein: the flexible sheet has a first side and a second side, the flexible sheet has a trapezoidal shape having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge; the first edge is opposite, and substantially parallel, to the second edge; the first edge is shorter than the second edge; and the third edge and the fourth edge each connect the first edge with the second edge; a handle coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet, wherein the handle is located between the second edge and a point substantially centered between a center of the third edge and a center of the fourth edge; a first coupling mechanism coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet and located substantially between the handle and the first edge; and a second coupling mechanism coupled with the first side of the flexible sheet and located substantially between the center of the third edge and the first edge.
 16. The system for collecting debris of claim 15, wherein the third edge and the fourth edge of the flexible sheet are stiffer than the first edge and the second edge.
 17. The system for collecting debris of claim 15, wherein the system further comprises a first handle located proximate to the third edge and a second handle proximate to the fourth edge.
 18. The system for collecting debris of claim 15, wherein each of the first coupling mechanism and second coupling mechanism comprises a hook. 